Van Wagenen instead gave off the vibe that the Mets instead would be looking to spend their remaining money on complementary moves to make the roster deeper. While free agent center fielder AJ Pollock fits the Mets' needs, he likely doesn't fit the team's budget.

One area that needed fortifying is the team's outfield depth, and Van Wagenen managed to address that deficiency Saturday while maintaining payroll flexibility.

The Mets acquired center fielder Keon Broxton from the Brewers for three prospects, including reliever Bobby Wahl. Broxon, 28, can hit for power and is a strong defender.

Van Wagnenen also addressed the team's pitching depth by agreeing to a minors deal with veteran lefty Hector Santiago, per a source.

“Keon is a dynamic athlete with the ability to impact the game in the outfield, on the bases and with his bat,” Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement. “He adds depth to our major league roster for 2019 and into the future.”

Outfield depth is an an area of need for the Mets since Yoenis Cespedes could miss at least half of the season while recovering from heel surgery.

Broxton provides the Mets with a player similar to Juan Lagares, although with more offensive upside. Broxton hit only .179 last season, but swatted 20 homers in 2017, and he also has tallied 49 steals over the last three years.

The 28-year-old has yet to reach arbitration, making him a cost-efficient option, and will have to be on the roster since he is out of options.

While Broxon may not be household name, the Mets did well in this trade since they managed to find a capable center field while leaving themselves flexibility.

The Mets need to bolster their starting pitching, relief pitching and infield depth, and indications are there are limited funds remaining.

This move does not add any payroll to next year's roster, and that's important since it could cost the teams several million dollars to sign a capable lefty reliever such as Justin Wilson. A veteran backup infielder may also cost several million dollars.

The Mets are not expected to pursue another outfielder, according to a source. Pollock still should receive a contract beyond what the Mets can spend.

Broxon also provides insurance in case the team can find a trading partner for Lagares, which would free up additional money. Lagares is owed $9 million this season, and the Mets would likely have to eat some of his contract in order to send him to a new team.

Broxon and Lagares are righties, and carrying both of them would result in two spots being used on similar outfielders.

In addition to Wahl, the Mets sent the Brewers their 2018 fourth-round pick Adam Hill, a starting pitcher, and 18-year-old second baseman Felix Valerio. Wahl appeared in only seven games this season.

The Mets should also announce the signing of Santiago to a minors deal, and the Bloomfield Tech product can serve as a starter or reliever.

Santiago, 31, went 6-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 49 games (seven starts) last season, and fared much better as a reliever, posting a 3.87 ERA. Santiago allowed an .804 OPS to both lefties and righties, and should not serve as the team's lefty specialist.

The southpaw figures to compete for a bullpen role, and the Mets need starting pitching depth since they are thin beyond their top four starters. Jason Vargas struggled last year in his first season, and Corey Oswalt is not yet a proven commodity.

Seth Lugo can serve as a starter, but moving him to the rotation would affect the bullpen, which need more proven options.